Book Review- A View to a Kill by Mandy M. Roth

    

A trained assassin…a man even the deadliest of warriors fear. To cross him is foolish. To steal his heart is pure madness.

Sachin, head advisor to the king of the Accipitridae realm, has been forced to put his trips to Earth on hold. He’s not been honest with himself or King Kabril about his need to visit the primitive planet. The king thinks him to be a womanizer, out to bed as many human females as possible.

In truth, a woman he should have been able to woo with little to no effort—his mate—has found someone else to fill that void in her life. She wasn’t supposed to be on Earth. She wasn’t supposed to be human. And she sure the hell wasn’t supposed to agree to marry another man while Sachin was away.

Sachin must make a choice, give up the one woman he knows to be his true mate and let her live in ignorant bliss of what walks among her people, or fight for what’s his, taking it at all costs. A trained assassin…a man even the deadliest of warriors fear. To cross him is foolish. To steal his heart is pure madness.

AMAZON LINK 

3 STARS

This was a quick story with good main characters. I would have liked to have the story be longer though. Maybe even have more personal depth to it as well.  While it does have emotions, it also felt a bit shallow at times.

 Sarah added to the story although she doesn't play a really deep part. 

In it's favor is that there is no cliffhangers, and there is a H.E.A.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

** Book Review- Inner Healing and Deliverance Handbook (Hope to Bring Your Heart Back) to Life by Jennifer Eivaz

 

 

Description

Let the Holy Spirit Bring Your Heart Back to Life

Most of us need help to look at the pain and fear that grip our lives and to find the courage and stamina it takes to do the work to be free. You are not alone in your efforts. God is eager to work with you to create unprecedented beauty from your ashes, and to deliver and restore you to health and wholeness.

Using her personal story of ongoing inner healing and deliverance, prophetic leader and pastor Jennifer Eivaz equips you with biblical and practical tools that will lead you into full restoration. She provides support and encouragement for you to uproot every lie coming against you as a child of God.

Jesus is asking, "Do you want to be made well?" With the help of the Holy Spirit to implement His plan using tools He gives you--the Word, prayer, counseling, declarations and more--you can find healing for all the damage of your past.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This book not only had the personal story of Jennifer Eivaz but also leads back to Jesus and scripture every time.  I liked that she also made it interactive.  She did this by including several  sections: "My prayer for you","Kingdom Reflections", and "Kingdom Questions."

The Appendix's at the end of the book was really helpful.  Especially the one that included a list of common occult practices.  Most I had heard of but a few I had not. So I did learn something new.   

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And this is my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- Breaking Dad (Single Dads Gone Wild) by Kathryn M. Hearst

Amy
Opening a yoga studio was supposed to be an inspiring 'I am woman, hear me roar' second act, but instead I'm having a midlife meltdown.

My baby was accepted to college the same day my business was evicted. Worse, my only hope for saving my studio is convincing the world’s most impossible CEO to approve my corporate wellness program.

I'm granola and namaste, he's spreadsheets and bottom lines and thinks this is all kumbaya woo. I've got two months to get him on board, or I’ll be a forty-something divorcee living in my parents’ basement.

At least I have Henry, a dad online. We’ve never met, but he's been my rock. We have a bond forged in worrying about first crushes, bullying, and college entrance exams. Why can't the CEO be more like him? Helpful, understanding, open to my advice?

Hudson
My personal motto is work hard, play hard, and parent harder.

It works for me, or it did, until my business partners hired a certain redheaded yoga instructor to put together an employee wellness program.

The problem is, Amy doesn't know we’ve spent the past five years slowly falling in love…

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS

Although I recognize that the story was well written it just wasn't something that I could really get into.  I tried.  Amy was unusual, and tough about health.  Some  humor was also in the story but it still didn't draw me in as much as I would have liked.  Maybe the timing was off for me to be reading it now so I would like to read something else by this author in the future.  

I received a copy of this book and this is a voluntary review.

**Book Review- Until Death by Cynthia Eden

   

When everyone wears a mask, who can you trust? And who can you love?

When Ivy DuLane witnesses a murder during the madness of Mardi Gras, she enters a deadly cat and mouse game with the killer. The city has gone wild with the annual celebration, and Ivy has to rely on sexy homicide detective—and her ex-lover—Bennett Morgan for help. But with every moment that passes, the killer grows bolder, and the body count starts to rise. It soon becomes very hard to tell the innocent from the guilty…especially since Bennett is keeping dark secrets of his own.

Author’s Note: Get ready for the dangerous times to roll…UNTIL DEATH is a hot romantic suspense with a fierce hero, a heroine who will jump from a Mardi Gras float any day of the week, and a dark killer who just will not stop.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

This really was a 5 star story.  I really liked that there was 3 P.O.V.'s in the story.  Ivy, Bennett and the killer each shared their thoughts and feelings. And that was really well done.  It also kept the drama, the intensity up.  Especially trying to figure who was going to get hurt next. The killer had his focus but it seemed like anyone who got in his way was also "fair game".  Things were totally unpredictable which I like.

This history between Ivy and Bennett had depth and was interesting.  So was the fact that neither one of them ever really got over the other. You could almost feel the tenderness that they showed with each other.  Even when Ivy was fighting her way into the investigation and Bennett was resisting that.

Surprise one after another happened until towards the end when everything just explodes !! Not only explodes but reveals an unexpected twist or two.

Great ending to a great story that had me involved all the way through. 

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest thoughts about it.  

** BOOK REVIEW- The Girl from Moscow's Edge by Nadya Frank

   

Zoya Volkova finds him on the icy garage floor. Her friend and accomplice, in a puddle of his own blood. Maybe it was one of the rich Muscovites they scammed for a car repair in that very garage. Maybe it has to do with the heist they’ve planned, the job that could change their lives.

Her boyfriend wants to go on with the rip-off. Her bestie talks her out of it. Caught up in a whirlwind of mistrust, Zoya learns about terrible things her estranged mother has done to Zoya’s siblings. Now she needs this money to mitigate the damage, but is it safe when she suspects everyone?

Racing against time, at odds with the police, a local crime boss, and her own conscience, Zoya needs to find out who murdered her partner. Will she fix her life or will she lose everything?

An unputdownable prequel novella to the Zoya Volkova thriller series.

The only Russian thriller written by a Russian author. Grab this series starter now!

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This story had depth but it was also often dark as well.   What a life Zoya has led and it just seemed to get worse.  She's a fighter, she "works" hard but just can't seem to catch a break.  It leads her into more danger as she trusts her boyfriend and some of his scams.  Is he to be trusted?  You'll have to read the book to find out. 

 Things come to a dangerous end but without everything really being solved.  One of them is the sibling that Zoya is worried about.  Is he even still alive or not? If he is, where is he? 

 

I got a free copy of this book through BookFunnel and this is my own thoughts about it. 

* Book Review- Baby Fever (A Real Man, 3) by Jenika Snow

   

Each story in the Real Man series can be read as total standalones.

He’s done being the bad boy … he’s ready to be a father.

DEX

I’ve never seen myself settling down. But then life, reality, hell, my biological clock slapped me right across the face. I knew what I wanted.

A baby.

At thirty-nine I was having a severe case of baby fever, and that meant convincing the one woman I’ve always wanted but knew was too good for me, to be mine and be the mother of my child.

EVA

I’ve always wanted Dex. He’s all raw power and cut muscle. He’s the epitome of what a real man is.
He throws me a curve ball and says he wants me not only as his woman … but the mother of his child.

I’ll be honest; it’s what I’ve always wanted.

DEX

Eva deserves better than me, but I’m too selfish, and I want her too badly to back away. Nothing will stop me from making her mine … and putting my baby inside her.  AMAZON LINK

 

 This story really didn't really do it for me.  There is a lot of dirty talk and sex but the only thing that probably saved it a bit is that they both have been kind of carrying the torch for each other for some time.  Neither one was aware of that fact though.  So at least this wasn't a story of insta-love or insta-lust.  They just have cared about each other for a long time.  It does have a H.E.A. with two Epilogues.  
All in all though this isn't a book I will be keeping or even rereading, even with the few tender moments.

  "I voluntarily read a copy of this book.  And these are my honest thoughts about it.”

 

 

*Book Review- Gael (A Mafia Romance) by Rebecca Howard

 

 

Gael is the master of vengeance.
Sara Reed is looking for revenge.
Growing up in the business, Gael understands how fragile life is, especially when his best friend, Fintan O’Connell,  is murdered in cold blood. Craving vengeance, he exacts his revenge in the form of torture. But there’s not enough death, or pain, to make him forget what he lost. Starting over in Cleveland, Ohio is supposed to be his fresh start.

But things are about to get complicated when a woman offers him a deal he can’t refuse.

Sara Reed is out for blood. Motivated by the death of a loved one, she knows nothing but anger and a thirst for revenge. The solution to her rage is simple: fifty-thousand dollars for the head of the bastard who took her best friend’s life. And she refuses to take no for an answer.

Life in the Mafia might be simple, but things are about to get bloody.

 

Well that was disappointing.   I sure expected more of a story. It didn't feel like it was very much about Gael.   And it ended up being more of a short story with a cliffhanger.  So, that makes it a"No" from me.

**Book Review- Dead Giveaway(Defenders of Battle Mountain, Book #2)by Nichole Severn

 

 He vowed to never see her again
Now she needs him more than ever.

Deputy Easton Ford left Battle Mountain—and the woman who broke his heart—behind. Now District Attorney Genevieve Alexander is targeted by a killer, and there’s only one man she trusts to protect her: her ex-fiancé. Easton will do everything to keep her safe. But will his past secrets get them both killed? 

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS for a Clever Story

 Trigger Warning: Serial Killer, Violence, Gory, Kidnapping

 A surprise is waiting for Genevieve when she gets home and it's not a good one.  Whew, what a way to start a book. And the world building is really good too. The killer is clever as well as lethal.  You can tell that he plans things WAY in advance.  And he's meticulous.  

Not only do Easton and Genevieve deal with emotions from their past but also the intense emotions of trying to outwit that serial killer.  It doesn't help that some of the investigative doors have been closed against Genevieve. 

The intensity just keeps escalating.  The shocker is about the time you think it might be getting closer to knowing who the killer is, there is another twist.  I liked that a lot. 

Everything comes to a stunning finish. 

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- Mafia Daddy: Dark Mafia Romance (Vegas Underground #2) by Renee Rose

 

   

SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN MINE
Don G gave me an order--find his daughter.
Straighten her out. Bring her home.
Sure--taking the mafia princess in hand will be my pleasure.
But she’s not going home--she’s staying with me.
Because despite the marriage contract to another family,
Jenna Pachino has always been mine. 

AMAZON LINK 

2 STARS

No, just no.  This "story" didn't do it for me.  And part of that might be because I wasn't paying close enough attention to the title. I have to totally agree with another reviewer who said, " I’ve never been a fan of the “daddy” trope, or having a woman call her man daddy. "That's exactly how I feel. I was hoping for more.   I also kept thinking, "Where's the story?"  It was pretty thin on that but excessive with the sex and sex talk. Sure there were real feeling that they had for each other. But still, not okay with me.

** Book Review- Seer's Choice (The Fae-Touched Chronicles Book 1) by Jennifer Sanders, Christen Stovall

 

 The future was hers to divine—but he was the one thing she could not foresee.

Setting London’s secret Fae-touched community on its ear with her exceptional beauty and rare gifts, oracle Ione Brentwood’s future seems both secure–and predictable. When she jilts her fiancé on the eve of her wedding, she is banished to Scotland by her irate father, setting her feet on a path she never foretold: one that could lead her to happiness—or despair.

His future has been thrust upon him, far too soon and for the most hellish of reasons..

With his father’s murderer still at large, Geordie Maclaren heads north to partake in his clan’s traditional ceremony to pass the mantle of clan Chief. Distracted by the presence of the enchanting Miss Brentwood, he soon discovers that the threat is still very real—and coming for them both.

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

Ione was a really good main character but she also shares her story with her favorite cousin, Tamsin.   Tamsin is also Fae-Touched although her gifts are different from Ione's.  Tamsin is also so helpful to Ione because of her wisdom, humor, sense of adventure and her often skillful questions. Those questions actually help Ione get the courage to say no to her fiancé.  It helped her face the fact that he really wasn't "the one."

Things get really interesting when Ione goes on an adventure with Tamsin and that is how she meets Geordie.  That also leads to a shy courtship and a sweet romance.  Not only does she meet Geordie but several of his closest friends that he's known for years.  Asher Ross, Quinn all will go the extra mile for him and they do.

Dangerous things keep happening mixed with magic.  But Ione and Tamsin have magic of their own and it sure does come in handy.

Everything comes to a good end with the door left open for a possible story about Ross. 

 

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

** Book Review- Amish Amnesia (Covert Police Detectives Unit Series # 3) by Ashley Emma

 This series can be read out of order.

 When Officer Jefferson Martin witnesses a young woman being hit by a car near his campsite, all thoughts of vacation vanish as the car speeds off. 

When the malnourished, battered woman wakes up, she can't remember anything before the accident. They don't know her name, so they call her Jane.

When someone breaks into her hospital room and tries to kill her before getting away, Jefferson volunteers to protect Jane around the clock. He takes her back to their Kennebunkport beach house along with his upbeat sister Estella and his friend who served with him overseas in the Marine Corps, Ben Banks. 

At first Jane’s stalker leaves strange notes, but then his attacks become bolder and more dangerous. 

Jane is fluent in several languages including German, she dresses conservatively, loves to read and write, loves going to church, and can cook better than a professional chef. When Jefferson tells her about an assignment he had investigated a sex trafficking ring in the Amish community of Unity, Maine, it triggers Jane's memory.

Jane gradually remembers an Amish farm and wonders if that's where she's from...or if she was held captive there. 

With Jefferson's service in the military, he has painful memories and dark regrets. As Jane teaches him about God's love and forgiveness that he used to know as a child, Jeff opens his heart back up to God.

Maybe helping Jane get her life and memories back can help Jeff forget the lives he’d taken and lost in the Marines. 

But the more Jefferson falls for her, the more persistant the stalker becomes in making Jane miserable…and in taking her life. 

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 

This book has a really good start.  Then it kind of calms down for a while as Jane tries to remember and everything seems brand new to her. Some peaceful times happen as Jeff and his sister Estella develop a good foundation of friendship. It makes for some good times, as well as some emotional ones as well. It stays peaceful..until it isn't.  A stalker has found Jane and keeps taunting her in different ways. And that stalker just keeps getting bolder and bolder. What in the heck is going on?

 The tension just keeps building until several incredible twists happen.  I like it when a story can surprise me. The Epilogue was also something that I look forward to and this book had one. 

  "I voluntarily read a copy of this book.  And these are my honest thoughts about it.”

Book Review- Safe Haven (Emerald City Billionaires #1) by Amber Kuhlman

   

Safe Haven is Book 1 in the Emerald City Billionaires series. It is a hot, steamy romantic suspense novella featuring a bad boy billionaire and his sassy woman. Enjoy the heat!

This book was previously published as Billionaire's Savior

Ava
He might very well be Seattle’s most eligible bachelor, and a billionaire nonetheless, but his arrogance is a total turnoff. When he sends his assistant to ask me out on a date, for him, I never want to hear the name Elijah Trevino again.
Who does this guy think he is? God? Just because he’s rolling in the dough and just so happens to be sexy as sin means nothing … at least not to me. I’m not like those other girls, and Elijah is about to find that out for himself.
If he wants me, he’s going to have to work harder than that.

Elijah
She’s a soft-hearted girl with a big city mouth, and I knew the moment I saw her at that Safe Haven fundraiser that she’d be mine. Why? I have no idea.
I want her. No, I need her. I crave everything about her, from those curvy hips to the soft and luscious lips.
Women don’t say no to me. But she did…
And now I want her even more.

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS

This story started out pretty good and had a pretty decent plot and then it just seemed to run off the cliff with too much detailed sex.  Well written of course, but way too much for me.  It kind of overtook the story.  I like it better when there is more depth to a story.  I'm giving it 3.5 stars for the story that it did have.  

 

 

 I received a copy of this book  and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

Book Review- Amish Schoolteacher's Escape (Amish Romantic Suspense) by Ashley Emma

 

 

Martha, an Amish schoolteacher in Unity, Maine, loves her job and her community. When Jake Sullivan proposes to her and she turns him down, her parents think she is foolish for turning down such a good catch.

Jake Sullivan is considered to be a fine Amish man, and everyone likes him — all except for Martha. 

In fact, whenever she's with Jake, all she wants is to be far away from him. She can't put her finger on it, but something about him makes her uneasy.

When Isaiah moves to the community and meets Martha, their friendship sparks into something more. Their relationship causes conflict and turmoil within the community, including rumors that erupt into a roaring flame.

When harsh accusations are made and she is attacked both verbally and physically, Martha must stand up for herself and make a difficult choice.

Will Martha follow her heart or do what her parents expect of her? 

 This standalone short read is the prequel to Ashley Emma's bestselling Undercover Amish of the Covert Police Detective Unit Series, but these books can be read out of order.

Visit www.AshleyEmmaAuthor.com to download Amish books for free.

 This was a short story that had it's moments although I would have liked a bit more depth.  It does get points for being a clean romance.
Martha was likable and her sense about Jake proves to be spot on.  
Martha's stepmother needs some serious help because of the way she treats Martha. But Martha's father is so loving and fair in his dealings.  I liked to see that because in so many Amish stories the father is so harsh.  
So over all I kinda liked this book but not a lot.  However, I it  does make me wonder about any fuller books since this one did have good bones.  I will be taking a look at those.  

 I received a copy of this book through BookFunnel and was not required to leave a review.  All thoughts and words are my own.

 

**Book Review- Once Burned (Task Force Eagle Book 3) by Susan Vaughan

 

 

NEW COVER!

Part of a series, but a stand-alone novel with its own conclusion. No cliff-hangers.


Once burned
ATF agent Jake Wescott goes undercover in his Maine hometown to find the local connection to Mexican drug-and-arms cartel’s New England operation. Who would suspect a local son living on a boat and fixing up his grandmother’s house? On his own time, he can’t resist digging into the old fire that killed his girlfriend. What he finds makes him suspect the cause wasn’t accidental but arson.

Twice shy
Lani Cameron's return to Maine throws her into a tinderbox of danger. She has no memory of the fire that killed her twin sister and scarred her, inside and out. When she learns Jake is investigating the fire’s cause, she wants in. She couldn't save her twin but maybe she can dispel the guilt and nightmares by finding the truth. Seeing Jake again revives attraction she kept hidden, but who does he see when he touches her, Lani or her twin?

And into the fire
Because of his girlfriend's death and that of a colleague, Jake doesn't trust himself to protect anyone, especially Lani, as daring and determined as she is sexy. He fears she'll become a target, but he needs her lost memories of that night. When the arsonist tries to kill her, Jake becomes her reluctant protector. The search binds them together, and intimacy ignites passion. As they uncover secrets, they face danger more explosive than they’d feared.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

 This story was outrageously good. It had action and mystery off the charts intense and unpredictable. I did develop a suspicion about one particular person being a baddie. But that didn't happen until ALMOST the end of the book. And there was more involved than I had originally guessed. I enjoyed that a lot.
I just have to also mention how much I liked both Lani and Jake. Lani could cop an attitude like no one else but it was to guard a tender heart. It was her armor; sarcastic snark. She was also so tired of people just leaving her, not being trustworthy or dependable. Jake really had his hands full when it came to dealing with her. He had no luck at all when it came to try to keep her out of any investigations. Especially the one that killed her twin sister. Gail.
I was very satisfied with how everything ended. Villains uncovered and dealt with and hope for the future.

Book Review- Married By Magic: A Grumpy Billionaire Boss Romance (Magical Love Book 2) by Karine Saint Jacques

 

A movie star and his former maid get magically married to each other in a parallel universe.

Jordana

Armand Beauregard is a grumpy asshole of a movie star. I was his maid until he fired me.
A year and a half later, I am doing great, getting engaged to my lovely boyfriend and falling asleep in his arms.
But the next morning, I wake up in the bed of Armand Beauregard and find out we are married to each other.
Everyone around us acts as if we are happy together. Guess what? Armand Beauregard is the last man on Earth I would ever wed. He may be one of the sexiest men alive, but he’s also a jerk.
Until we figure out how to escape this curse, we are stuck together.
I just don’t understand why I start getting butterflies in my belly whenever he’s around.

Armand

A year and a half ago, I fired Jordana Rosales, my maid at the time. She shouldn’t have disrespected me.
I thought my former employee would remain in my past until this morning, when out of the blue, she pops up in my bed and, I’m ashamed to admit it, I got chills. It turns out we are magically hitched.
There’s certainly a way to get rid of Jordana, right? Not only is being married to her bad for my image, but she also infuriates me.
If only I could have fun with other women while I search for a way to set free of the curse and Jordana. But the women I approach are not keen to get involved now that I am tied up.
I only date actresses; I don’t fall in love with maids. Then why does my heart palpitate every time Jordana enters a room?

  AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

This was different and unique when it came to a story.  Unique almost like a fairy tale being told.

I liked that both Armand and Jordana got to tell their part of the story.  Arrogant Armand, that would have been a good title to give him because that is who he was for quite a while.   I loved that Jordana didn't care that he was a great looking actor.  She wasn't going to take any guff off of him.  Not now not ever. 

The thing about the dogs actually had me throwing my hands up in the air.   It had me saying at the same time, "are you kidding me?"

I did like how the story ended though. So a fair amount of mixed feelings here. So I will be giving it 3.5 Stars on Amazon. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Book Review- First you Dream (Family Forever Book 3) by Aliyah Burke

   

 Reader advisory: This book contains a brief mention of violence/murder.

A rash decision can become the best ever.

Race car driver Cody Gamino has come from Europe to the United States for one thing—to race with the incredible Xin. Their one night together meant more to him than he expected and suddenly, it’s not just about racing together but being together. Forever.

Racer N’Jelle ‘Xin’ Marx turns to a handsome man she met outside a bar, just to forget for a night. Six weeks and two pink lines later, she is questioning the decision she made that night. When he shows up at her job, revealing to her who he truly is, and snatches her position out from under her, she doesn’t have the fight in her any longer. And Cody isn’t one to give up—when he learns of his unborn child, he digs in even more. Will these two, used to life in the fast lane, learn to slow down and see what’s before them? Will they recognize what they have to lose?  AMAZON LINK

4.5 STARS

First of all, I liked that the title was a good fit for this book. I didn't find out until so much later in the book but that's okay.  It does explain the unusual title which was one of the things that first caught my attention. 

 Xin and Cody definitely keep the story interesting.   Another interesting thing that happened was when Xin went from having no family to all of sudden being faced with so many more.  I really felt for her because the new women in her life had almost no boundaries.  It was almost like an invasion.  

Another surprise happens towards the end of the story.  I never saw it coming which is something I always enjoy.   It's also kind of sweet and leads into an even better Epilogue.  H.E.A. here we come.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Book Review- The Best Kept Secret by Tawna Fenske

   

Description

Nurse Nyla Franklin knows three things to be true. Taking care of others brings more joy than a basket full of kittens. A triple-fudge sundae can cure just about anything. And no good ever comes from keeping a secret… So when her best friend spills his biggest one ever, Nyla knows she’s not just holding a secret. She’s holding a ticking time bomb.

Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre knows three things to be true. Piloting smokejumpers over burning forests is the best job in the world. His best friend Nyla is the smartest, funniest, and okay, sexiest woman ever. And pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his post-surgery confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out… including his relationship with Nyla.

Secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control…

Each book in the Where There’s Smoke series is STANDALONE:
* The Two-Date Rule
* Just a Little Bet

  *The Best Kept Secret  AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

What a great story this turned out to be.  Nyla turned out to be a hoot !  She was also such a caring person who worried about everyone being happy and safe.  Not only do the people in this story have depth but there was also a lot of humor too.  

The secret that got blabbed?  It wasn't even close to anything that I had imagined.  It was quite the twist.  I think my jaw might have dropped when it was revealed. 

 What a great guy Leo was.  He was dependable, honest, loving, hardworking and even doing his best to co-parent with his ex, Mandi. It made things even more interesting because Mandi and Nyla are sisters.  Sisters who are so tight and have been for many years.  And it begins to look like they will have to continue to be there for each other in the future.

I have to admit I smiled a lot at  the situations that Nyla ended up in.  And not all of them were because of her "can't keep a secret" ways.  I agreed with Leo that she was adorable and she tried so hard to do the right thing.

I was very happy with how things turned out and the Epilogue was sweet.  

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And this is my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- Treating the Tyrant by Julie Scarlet

  

 

She’s a compassionate doctor. He’s a ruthless gangster. Do they stand a chance of falling in love with each other?

Doctor Isabella Romano hates violence. When a smoking hot Mafia boss faints in her clinic, she treats his bleeding wounds... repressing her desire to feel his touch.

Marco "The Grim Reaper" Vaeletti had no time for women. The mob is everything he has ever known. While escaping an ambush, he stumbles upon a stunning doctor and is instantly drawn to her. The moment he finds out she hates his kind, he is determined to change her opinion.

Isabella has trouble controlling her feelings toward the handsome high-flyer. Marco would do anything to make her his.

Will their growing feelings ignite between the sheets?

AMAZON LINK 

2 STARS

This was an insta-lust kind of story that I had a hard time with. It was more like  erotica and I skipped quite a few pages because of it.  It also felt kind of shallow most of the time.  Others probably don't agree with me but that's my take on it. 

If you make it all the way through it does come with a finishing up Epilogue.   That ends up with a H.E.A.

 

*** Book Review- Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean

   

Romance

Description

Bookish Arabella Bromley never gave a fig for society’s rules—until her sister ran off with a man below her station. Now Arabella is desperate to restore her family’s ruined reputation to favor amongst the ton. She’ll have to marry quickly and well. But in order to carry off her plan, Arabella needs a duke… and she has just the rakish fellow in mind.

The Duke of Whittsley has an ungentlemanly tendency to disregard the rules. Unfortunately, a sense of mischief doesn’t excuse a high-ranking noble from family duty—especially where it concerns producing a son. And that’s where he can’t quite resist Arabella’s distinctly outrageous plan: if he saves her family, she’ll give him an heir.

Now the deal’s been struck. They have one year to achieve their goals and ten iron-clad rules to keep them on track. Like long, scorching kisses and ensuring they’re both exquisitely satisfied. And the only thing that could ruin their plan is the one thing they never planned on: love.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS 

How did I feel about this book in one word?  Delightful. I grinned right along with Silas, the duke at their outrageously funny first meeting and  bargaining session.  I found the whole book delightful especially Silas and Arabella's non-courting courtship.  Over time Silas observed that Ari as he called her might be shy but she had a backbone of steel.  She also was able to make him laugh which was something he hadn't been doing a whole lot of. In fact dealing with Ari was the most fun he'd had in a long time. The ten rules also made things interesting.

Arabella really wasn't like the society desiring woman that most women were.  She really had more guts, heart and loved her peace and quiet.  Oh and books, plenty of books and time to read them.  She really had to push herself to meet the requirements that she helped draft. 

There is of course some emotional drama that stirs things way up.  However, the H.E.A. with a sweet Epilogue winds everything up.

 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

Book Review- The Beast Prince (It's Raining Royals) by Alix Nichols

 

 Packed with steam, emotion and adventure, this romantic comedy is Book 3 in the series, It’s Raining Royals. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and “Beauty and the Beast” style romances, THE BEAST PRINCE can be read as a standalone.

 Elise
I never had it easy despite my pretty face.
But at least I had options.
Now, I’m left with two: run or become a gangster’s pet.
As I brace myself for the worst, a brawny man named Theo shows up on my doorstep.
His left eye—blue and piercing—is the only intact spot on his disfigured face.
Theo says he’ll help me if I find an old key for him.
We strike a deal.
Beggars and choosers, you know. Real-life damsels in distress don't get to pick the cutest heroes.
The weird part? Theo turns me on more than any man ever has…

Theo
What good is it being a crown prince, when you’re cut off from your bodyguards and trapped in a cabin?
The situation is dire.
There’s no cell phone reception. My enemies are closing in. All hope to save my country is fading away.
To add insult to injury, I’m stranded here with a woman—a beauty, no doubt.
But she’s foreign, and her brother is a jailed lowlife. She’s too far beneath me for her charms to work.
Not that she’s trying, mind you.
And yet, I crave her touch so badly I’d trade the crown for it!

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

There is quite a dramatic first meeting between Theo and Elise in the opening chapter.  To be honest I am kind of over the general Beast and the Beauty stories.  BUT, this one had a different kind of slant to it that I liked.  It also had plenty of emotions in it and both of the main characters P.O.V.'s.  But it's not only just emotional challenges but there is a villain that just seems to be a step ahead of the good guys a lot of the time.  And because of that he keeps things stirred up. 

An H.E.A. but there are quite a few keys to find until the final conclusion.  More keys means more adventures and romances right?

  "I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my thoughts about the book."

*** Book Review- The Damaged by Tijan

   

Description

The world knows about Kash.

Both Bailey and Kash were used to living in the shadows, but now they must live in the public eye.
Kash is figuring out his new found role against his grandfather, and Bailey is starting her graduate program late. At university, everyone is watching Bailey, and some are wondering if her legendary father, Peter Francis, bought her way into the elite program.

Meanwhile, Bailey’s former stepmother is in jail and at home, a mysterious aunt is living with them while Bailey’s mother and Peter are sleeping together. Again?!
But then, a new treasure trove of secrets is revealed and Bailey and Kash must decide if they will trust each other or take on the world alone.  

  AMAZON LINK

5+ STARS 

I liked how the book started out.  Why?  Because it's been awhile since I read a previous book and this was a good, quick refresher.  It also made for what I thought was a good introduction for a new reader.  Even though there was  a fair number of people to begin with.  

I forgot how much I liked Bailey before but it was pretty easy to get on her team again quickly. This woman has quite the big brilliant brain but she also has a giant heart to go with it.  And Bailey and Kash together?  Awesome.

Kash has quite a few plates that he is trying to balance.  His major focus is to keep Bailey safe and happy as he battles his evil grandfather,  Calhoun Bastian.  That man truly has no limits when it comes to winning.  If you look in the dictionary under evil, you'd find his name.  And he's like a chess player when it comes to making his moves.  

The story is intense, and emotional with well drawn people of depth. Easy to be drawn into their parts of the story.  

The story comes to a jaw-dropping ending for now.  My jaw did actually drop, I so was NOT expecting that.  The door is left open for another story to be told to complete some things.  More adventures ahead.  I have to say I want to keep reading this adventure.

 

   I received  an advanced reader copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review- Becca Princess of Sona by Luna Fox & F. Lowberry

    

Eighteen-year-old Becca is a regular kid. At least on the outside. Everything is fine until she dials 9-1-1 after waking up from a terrifying vision of the future. The cops come banging at her door at midnight, but she can't open or leave the house. There's a man in her room with a strange blade, staring at her with his red eyes.

 

 This story was a quick one but also filled with plenty of action and science fiction elements.  Malik was someone who kept me off balance at least at first.  Was he a good guy or a bad guy?  That was a question right off the bat.
The description of both Malik and others was pretty well done.   Even though it's a short story it was pretty well done and comes to a good end. I really would have liked for it to be a bit longer though. 

I received a copy of this book through BookFunnel and was not required to leave a review.  All thoughts and words are my own.

Book Review- Her Mysterious Date (The Blind Love #1) by Taylor Young

   

Charlotte eagerly glances around the restaurant. The pitying stares of bystanders fuelling old insecurities as the crowd relishes her humiliation. Her confidence is at an all time-low as she realizes she’s been stood up. Cheeks flaming red and tears prickling her eyelids, she gets up to leave. Suddenly a dark shadow passes over her table. She looks up to finds herself staring into a beautiful pair of green eyes and the most gorgeous smile she’s ever seen. She gasps as she instantly recognizes the stranger standing before her.

Building a successful empire is exhausting and right now Oliver doesn’t have time for any optional extras. He breezes out from the kitchen as everything seems fine, just another mundane night at the restaurant. That is until he notices the gorgeous woman seated alone near the skylight. She looks so sad and vulnerable. His protective instincts are immediately aroused and he just has to find out who she is and why she’s alone.

AMAZON LINK 

To me this story was short, sweet and just okay.  It didn't really reel me in like I had hoped.  It started out good but just kind of flattened out. Charlotte sure spent a lot of time embarrassed. This story also didn't finish in this book and turned out to be a cliffhanger.  That's not okay for me.

 

 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Book Review- In the Arms of a Highlander The McTiernays, #9)by Michele Sinclair

 

   

Romance

The McTiernay brothers will always be able to depend upon Brodie Dunstan’s loyalty, his sword, and his strength. But there is another kind of bond—one that can fell even a fearless warrior…
 
Brodie Dunstan was an honored McTiernay commander when he agreed to leave and help an allied clan. Eight years later, he’s back among the McTiernays at Lochlen Castle, yet despite the welcome, Brodie feels he’s still searching for his rightful place. The moment he rescues a storm-soaked young woman on the road to Lochlen, he wonders if he’s found it . . .
 
From nun to killer to royal spy, Shinae Mayboill has had little choice in her life’s path so far. Now, caught in a compromising position with Brodie after her rescue, she’s ushered into a hasty marriage. To her surprise, Brodie is unlike any man she has ever met, with a tenderness that belies his powerful persona. Their passion deepens every day. But when Brodie learns the truth about her past—and the real reason she has come to Lochlen Castle—will there still be room for her in the Highlander’s heart?

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS

I had mixed feelings on this story.  I liked both Shinae and Brody.  They were both bold strong people.  The story starts out really strong too with some pretty dramatic actions on Shinae's part.  And things stayed strong until it just seemed to really slow down quite a bit.  Some of that might to have been with all of the other people in the story.  I found myself getting lost a time or two with all of them.

The married sex was well written but to me there was way too much of it.

I did find Shinae's fellow runaway nun Isilmë was quite the interesting, unusual person.  Wherever she showed up things got stirred up.  She had grown up in the Abby and was so restricted that once she got out, she really let loose.  Not in a bad way but definitely showing how truly unique she was.  I got a smile or two from her shenanigans, when she wasn't being annoying. 

Everything does get taken care of and solved.  Even though it was a twist on who the murderous spy was when it was revealed it felt a little anti-climatic. But there was a H.E.A. which I was looking forward to.

 

 I received  an advanced reader copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

** Book Review- The Desert Flowers - Willow (The Desert Sage Inn Series Book 3) by Judith Keim

     

A series for those who love stories about strong women facing challenges and finding love and happiness along the way.

Three talented women are brought together by a man they all love, becoming his Desert Flowers, who work together to save his hotel from being ruined by the company buying it…

When Willow Sanchez is asked to help Alec Thurston, the man for whom her parents work and who’s always treated her as the daughter he once lost, she doesn’t hesitate to leave Boston and come back home to Palm Desert, California. Alec is dying of cancer and needs her help in overseeing the sale of his hotel, The Desert Sage Inn, to another hotel group. With her hotel accounting background and financial ability, she’s his perfect choice to help make the sale a smooth transition while maintaining the reputation of the upscale property. She arrives to find two other women summoned to help Alec. Lily Weaver was once Alec’s assistant, and Rose Macklin was heavily involved in the hotel in earlier years. They join forces to help him, lovingly accepting his nickname for them—the Desert Flowers, similar to the well-known Charlie’s Angels.

Willow is assigned to work with two young men, sons of the majority owners of the hotel company purchasing the Desert Sage Inn. One of the men, Brent Armstrong, attended the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University with her and used to bully her with unkind names. His cousin, Trace Armstrong, seems to be very different. Struggling to compete against them for the eventual job of executive assistant manager at the Desert Sage Inn, Willow wonders if she’ll ever find the right man to settle down with as she decides to stay in Palm Desert. A talented golfer, she is forced to take Alec’s place in a foursome with Craig Kincaid, the man both Rose and Lily think is perfect for her. But neither Willow nor Craig is interested in anything serious until Willow wonders if Craig might be the good guy Alec had always thought he was.

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS 

I have been looking forward to this last book in the series about the three women called Desert Flowers.  Willow was a smart, strong, caring woman with strong connections to not only the other women but also Alec. Willow had the loving support of her own mother and father but Alec had also been like a second father to her.  He had done so much for everyone that it made for a lot of sadness knowing that he wasn't going to live on. It made times that were bittersweet.

It was good to have the alternating points of views from Rose, Lily and Willow.  

This story had great world building in it. As well as a whole lot of trouble stirred up from Duncan and his son Brent.  It took a while to figure out whether or not Trace was a totally good guy or not.  That kept things interesting.  Several of the early interactions that Willow had with Craig made her think that he was a player.  Was he?  Because she wasn't going to make any time for that.  So friends it'll have to be if anything at all, right?  Makes you wonder how long that will last?  Is she going to have a future with either of the two men?  All is answered in the story.

And so is the power play by Duncan and the final decisions about Willow's hosteling career.   It all comes to a good ending.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

** Book Review- Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands

   

He'd been warned that Lady Clarissa Crambray was dangerous. Stomping on toes and burning piffles, the chestnut-haired beauty was clearly a force with which to be reckoned. But for Adrian Montfort, Earl of Mowbray, veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, this was just the challenge he needed. He could handle one woman and her "unfortunate past." Could any woman handle him?
Lady Clarissa Crambray wanted a husband, but maybe not as much as her stepmother wanted one for her. Really! Doffing her spectacles might make a girl prettier, but how would she see? She'd already caused enough mayhem to earn a rather horrible nickname. Yet, as all other suitors seemed to shy away in terror, there came a man to lead her to the dance floor. A dark, handsome, blur of a man.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

 

 I enjoyed this story and it turned out to have even more to the story than what was obvious at first.  Beginning with the main characters Clarissa and Adrian, I found that I liked them both. 

Clarissa has been bullied by her step-mother for so long.  It was like just about all joy was being stamped out of her life.  Until she met Adrian who was so kind, understanding and way more perceptive than just about anyone she has met before in her life.  He went out of his way to help her in small ways but it was so tender and thoughtful.

Adrian's cousin Reginald added color, humor and help to the story.  He went out of his way more than once to help Adrian meet up with Clarissa.  Her step-mother had been blocking the two from seeing each other but Reginald did some colorful things to help.  He added humor with at least one scheme in the story.  Of course, that wasn't the only humor in the story.  

By the way, there is sexual heat in the story in case anyone wanted to know.  Maybe too much.

There is a twist or two in the story with one of the twists being a danger to Clarissa that wasn't seen at first.  I liked how the story ended with a H.E.A.

 

I read this book through the HOOPLA Library app.

**Book Review- Montana Sanctuary (Resting Warrior Ranch Book 1)by Josie Jade (and Janie Crouch)

 

 

Sometimes the worst wounds can’t be seen.

Lucas Everett knows that firsthand. It's why he and his former Navy SEAL brothers created the Resting Warrior Ranch.

They aren’t doctors, but they can offer the healing freedom of their Montana range. And they specialize in training service and emotional support animals to help sooth even the worst emotional scars.

Usually, soldiers show up at their door. But this time it's Evelyn Taylor—a soldier in a very different kind of war.

She's as skittish as one of the horses Lucas gentles. But he’s learned how to be patient with animals, and he’s more than happy to be patient with this quiet beauty too.

When Evelyn’s past nightmares show up in Montana, she thinks she has to run again, but Lucas isn’t going to let that happen. He’s protected his country against the worst types of threats, and he’ll protect her too.

She’s met the rancher, but now she’s about to meet the SEAL.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

 Intense and so well written both with the main characters, the community, and the people of Resting Warrior Ranch.  And don't even get me started when it comes to the psycho who has been ruthlessly chasing Evelyn.  What he's done in the past was horrific and no one seems to be able to stop him.  Some of it might be a bit tough to read for some people to read.

Lucas was over the top in a good way when it came to helping Evelyn.  He approached her so carefully and tenderly recognizing that she was traumatized. 

I really enjoyed that both Evelyn and Lucas each shared their points of view in the story.

Lena is such a great additional quirky, with a big heart person  in the story who befriends Evelyn.  Something that scared the heck out of Evelyn.  Because she has enough fear for herself and even more for anyone getting hurt just because they are close to her. 

The intensity increases as the creepy guy gets closer and closer and as he taunts everyone. You know darn well things are going to get worse before they get better right?

I was very happy with how the story ended.  But I do what to come back to this ranch and read more stories about Lena and Grace and their stories that were hinted at with more guys from the ranch.

 I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

** Book Review- A Tangled Affair by Anne C. Scardino

 

 Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, Women's Fiction

Description

Clair Bondi makes the painful decision to divorce the only man she ever loved—Vince Bondi, her husband of twenty-five years. But Clair never gets the chance to tell Vince she is leaving him, because he is found fatally shot in his Porsche one night when driving home from his weekly tennis game. Haunted by his death, Clair is determined to help the Philadelphia police find the killer. Vince’s secret life, including an account in Turks and Caicos, forces Clair to realize that he wasn’t the man she thought he was. No longer the “good wife,” Clair’s strength and resilience take her from her darkest moment to a life unimagined—one with true love and purpose.  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This book had interesting people in it but wow was Clair naive.   I do realize she was quite the creative person and that was were her energies were focused.  And she was awesome in the work sh loved. The business side she left to her loving husband.   Vince who seemed to become more busy and distant by the day.  That's not all on Clair though because she did love Vince and also loved her twin daughters.  

Vince is so totally idolized by everyone as he lived bigger than life.  As the story unfolds it became clear that he didn't deserve it.  It's just one blow after another for Clair.  Plenty of twists and turns in the story.

The world building was excellent with many settings almost feeling like scenes from the rich and famous.  Well done as was the emotions in the story.   

A good ending with a new life for many brings the story to it's end.

 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”